Desert camping
DESERT CAMPING…
Planning your trip
- Never visit or camp in the desert alone, it’s a good idea to go with Club Members or friends who have camped before. Even if you’re an experienced camper, you should always go as a part of a bigger group, especially if you’re planning to venture deeper into the desert.
- Decide where you’re going to camp before you head out, and ensure that you and anyone else you’re with sticks to that location. It’s all too easy to lose your bearings and get lost in the desert.
- Let your friends or family members know your destination in the desert before setting off on your trip.
- When it comes to choosing a location, avoid the edge or the bed of wadis, as these are susceptible to flash flooding.
- 4x4s are the best type of vehicle for heading into the desert with, and should be serviced or checked prior to the trip to reduce the risk of a breakdown. You also need to deflate the vehicle’s tires before venturing on to the dunes.
What to pack
“Not everyone anticipates the significant temperature swings that occur in the desert. Bringing additional clothes and supplies to keep warm at night is very important,” says Dr. Jacques Kobersy, Chair of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Emergency Medicine Institute.
- The desert during the day is hot and dry, but at night temperatures can drop dramatically, so make sure you have clothes for both climates, as well as a suitable sleeping bag.
- Take sun protection, including sunscreens, suitable clothing, eyewear, a hat and awnings that can be attached to the car to provide shade from the sun during the day.
- For your vehicle, you need to pack a working tire pump to re-inflate the tires, shovels and a tow rope in case you get stuck in the sand, and a jerrycan with some petrol should you run out.
- A full first aid kit is a must, and can be used to treat insect bites, grazes or minor burns. Make sure you check your first aid kit is replenished before you set out.
- Water. Lots of water. Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns in the desert, and you’ll need water for more than just drinking. It’s recommended to carry at least 20 liters of water person per day, with 5 of these liters being drinking water. Also have a cool box to keep food and beverages chilled.
- Other items that you will need include a properly fastening tent, an in-car phone charger, lights and some firewood.
Staying in camp
- You want to set up camp on a flat area, ideally high on a dune, so you have good visibility and your site can be easily seen by others.
- Set up your fire away from the tents and be mindful of the direction of the wind. A smaller fire is easier to control, but any fire should always be attended too.
- The desert is home to lots of different creatures, most of which won’t cause any harm unless they feel threatened or provoked. However, you should always wear shoes around the campsite and give them a good shake in the morning, just to make sure nothing has crept inside. Always fully close your tent at night.
- Always point the opening of your tent downwind so sand doesn't blow in. This will prevent the majority of your sand-related problems. Keep sand from your kit.
- Be sure to use lights around the camp at night and inform others of your movements. It’s easy to become disoriented at night, plus it’s also the time that many desert creatures venture out.
- Its highly recommended to camp near Clear Sand without any bushes or plants that might provide shade for Snakes, Scorpions and other poisonous animals.
- It’s important to mark the nearest Hospital or Medical centre to treat snake bits or scorpion stinks
- We highly advise to either sleep inside your car or use a roof top tent (that is fixed on top of your vehicle roof rack)
- Before you leave, play your part in looking after the natural environment, tidy up and take home any rubbish to leave the site safe and clean for future users, and for its natural inhabitants.
Desert and wildlife camping
Although it doesn't contain as much wildlife as, say, a rainforest, the desert is home to many wild animals, birds and insects. Desert animals are supremely adapted to their surroundings, and many of them have adapted to manage their body heat and to blend in with the landscape. Signs of desert wildlife are typically much more subtle than in other regions, with temperature and time of day playing a big role in whether or not animals and other creatures will be out and about
Because the daytime heat is so powerful in the desert, many animals are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping in burrows or shaded areas. That can make it difficult for people to observe them without night-vision goggles.
It's impossible to discuss wildlife without mentioning the many venomous insects and snakes that call the desert home, though. From scorpions and rattlesnakes to venomous spiders like the black widow and brown recluse, the desert hosts a frightful assortment of creatures that can ruin your vacation with a single sting or bite.
Deserts are home to several types of venomous snakes, Most of those species aren't aggressive unless they are provoked, so the best thing you can do to avoid having your camping trip cut short because of a snake bite is to be aware of your surroundings and to steer clear of any snakes.
Best Beach Camping Spots in the UAE
1. Al Akamiyah Beach
One of the secret beach locacted in Dibba Fujairah with a stunning view point , this area is surrounded with trees which give ample space for camping.
Compatible cars : Any Cars
Location : Al Akamiyah Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/83qJrU8R4kycMYHv5
2. Al aqua beach
The Emirate of Fujairah is best known for its beautiful beaches. Located on the East Coast of the UAE, this is the only one out of seven Emirates with beaches facing this side of the globe. One of the most popular areas in the Emirate is Al Aqah,
Compatible cars : Any Cars
Location : Al Aqah Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/pj6mF914LnQCUP5R8
3. Dibba beach
The best place to camp is at the far northern end of the beach beside the cliff face. It is a popular spot so there is plenty evidence of previous campers and day trippers The beach at the northern end is a little rocky at low tide which may suit those who wish to snorkel.
Compatible cars : Any Cars
Location : Dibba Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/EjKvC5Cbce7joSL19
4. Umm al quwain old town area beach
Old Town, UAQ, also known as Old Umm Al Quwain is a mixed-use district located at the edge of Umm Al Quwain (UAQ). The oldest neighbourhood has a shape like a teardrop surrounded by sea and creek. Old Town, UAQ is home to the historic landmark of the emirate, UAQ
Compatible cars : Any Cars
Location : Ship rack for diving
https://goo.gl/maps/Gg6hoceP3UUwCDes9
5. Rak ghost Village beach
Al Jazirah Al Hamra is a town to the south of the city of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its collection of abandoned houses and other buildings, including a mosque,
Compatible cars : Any Cars
Location : Rak Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/ko9KuVAiL25xw1Gy9
6. Rak titanic beach camping
Titanic beach looks like a tip of the cruise surrounded by water from 3 sides. there is huge space for camping and unlimited Arabian gulf views.
Compatible cars : Any Cars
Location : Titanic beach
https://goo.gl/maps/anGx1j2L7xhQ8bjT7
*NOTE : Requesting to carry your own garbages instead of dumping to this location. Please protect the nature.
“greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
“At its core, the issue of a clean environment is a matter of public health.”*